Terminated immediately after giving 2-week notice - ESD eligibility?

Yes, you should absolutely apply for unemployment. What happened to you is called 'termination in lieu of notice' and it typically qualifies for benefits. The key here is they used the word 'terminated' rather than accepting your resignation. File your claim immediately on eServices and make sure to clearly explain in your application that you gave notice and they terminated you instead of letting you work the notice period. This is considered employer-initiated separation in most cases. Keep any documentation of your written notice and their termination response.

this hapend to my cousin last year. company didnt want him to access sensetive stuff after he quit. they paid him for the 2 weeks tho, did ur company pay u for those 2 weeks?

YOU NEED TO FILE TODAY!! This is 100% eligible for unemployment. Companies do this all the time thinking they're smart but they're actually CREATING an unemployment claim!!! I've seen this dozens of times. As long as you didn't do anything wrong (misconduct) then ESD will approve your claim. Make sure you say THEY terminated YOU - don't say you quit!!!!

Just to offer a different perspective - whether you'll qualify depends on the details. If they're paying you for those two weeks (sometimes called 'garden leave'), you might not qualify for those specific weeks. Also, you'll need to be available for work in Washington to receive benefits, so if you're in the middle of moving to Spokane, that could complicate things. But definitely apply and let ESD make the determination.

When this happened to me (different situation but similar termination after notice), I had SUCH a hard time getting through to anyone at ESD to explain the situation. Their automated system kept flagging my claim because the employer contested it, claiming I had quit. I spent DAYS trying to reach someone by phone with no luck. Finally I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with an ESD agent and got it sorted out in one call. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Saved me weeks of waiting and stress.

Yeah its legit. I used it back in January when my claim got stuck in adjudication for like a month. Got through to someone in like 30 minutes when I had been trying for WEEKS!

Just curious - what industry do you work in? Some sectors like finance and tech almost always walk people out immediately after notice for security reasons. But they typically pay out the notice period.

To address your question about job searches - yes, you'll need to do at least 3 job search activities per week as long as you're claiming benefits, even if it's just for two weeks. These can be job applications, attending WorkSource workshops, creating accounts on job boards, etc. Document everything carefully in your job search log. Since you're moving to Spokane, you could focus your search there if you want.

One more thing - when they process your claim, ESD will automatically contact your employer for their side of the story. Be prepared for the possibility of needing to provide additional information or even having a phone interview with an adjudicator if your employer disputes the circumstances. Make sure to keep checking your eServices account and respond to any requests promptly. Your clear documentation showing you gave notice and they terminated you should help your case.

I'm sorry this happened to you - it's such a frustrating and stressful situation when you're trying to do the right thing by giving proper notice! Based on everything I've read here, you definitely have a strong case for unemployment benefits. The fact that they used the word "terminated" and escorted you out creates a clear paper trail that this was their decision, not yours. Make sure when you file to emphasize that you gave written notice with the intention of working your full two weeks, but they chose to end your employment immediately instead. This is a textbook case of employer-initiated separation. Good luck with your move to Spokane and your claim!

What a terrible way to treat someone after 3.5 years of loyal service! I'm really sorry this happened to you. The silver lining here is that your employer actually did you a favor legally - by terminating you instead of accepting your resignation, they've made you eligible for unemployment benefits. I went through something similar a few years back (gave notice for a new job, got walked out the same day) and ESD approved my claim without any issues. The key things that helped me: 1) I had documentation of my resignation letter, 2) I had their termination notice in writing, and 3) I was very clear in my application that THEY ended my employment, not me. It sounds like you have all of this covered. Don't let their unprofessional behavior discourage you - file that claim tonight and get the benefits you're entitled to!